The Internet is an amazing thing sometimes. About five hours ago, building on this idea, I posted Flowers for Al and Don. We’ve already gather over US $700! I’m amazed by the collective generosity of it all. Further updates will appear on the Flowers pages.
Well Done!
This inspired me to create a new “Give To” sidebar section on my site, under which the Flowers… page is currently featured.
Awesome idea, the whole donate flowers. Kudos.
And good plan by Larry, I think I’ll do the same.
Rob looks like you got a link on boing boing. Such a nice cross-linking, helping bunch y’all are.
Darren – I’ll buy you a coffee tomorrow in exchange for a donation. I have no paypal account. I’m a luddite. :)
Anonymous OK, embarrassing question … who are “Al and Don”? Friends of yours? Just a random pair of men’s names?
That’s right, it’s a pun. In truth, I’ve never read the book, but I thought it was kind of funny. It’s flexible, too. For gay women, we can go with ‘Flowers for Ali and Dawn’.
Imo How about randomly helping the bushmen? this flower thing seems a bit weird.
Ben Here’s a copy of an email I sent to Darren.
I got married in San Francisco yesterday to my partner of three years, Brian.
You can imagine how absolutely shocked and delighted I was to receive a huge, gorgeous bouquet of flowers in the middle of the grand rotunda at City Hall with a congratulations card attached:
“Congratulations, with love from Work Place Alliance Out Front Minneapolis”
in an envelope from Flowers By The Bay addressed “To The Happy Couple c/o City Hall, San Francisco”.
I was absolutely in tears. Thank you all so much for sending these flowers — it absolutely made my wedding the most stunning, amazing experience.
Here’s photos of my wedding:
http://foxden.org/gallery/Wedding
You can see the flowers at:
http://foxden.org/gallery/Wedding/aat
It’s wonderful that you’re using PayPal to send flowers to newlyweds like me. Thank you so much.. you’ve really touched Brian’s and my lives, and I deeply appreciate what you’re doing.
Ben
David Wow, this story has legs. I read about it on Datalounge.com thismorning. News is spreading fast. And you wouldn’t believe it, the biggest cheerleader on the message thread discussing this was a straight woman from Chicago.
Kudos Darren! You are wonderful! Excellent way to take an idea and make it happen!
Tarre Wow, what a beautiful thought. Thanks for getting this started.
At first I thought $2,982.32!!!! that’s a lot of nosegays. But then fondly remembered my own wedding. We probably spent about $2,500 for the whole thing ten years ago. I can’t imagine not being able to marry the person I love. No amount of money or flowers could console me. So I say pour it on. Give flowers till there are no more left. Let the gay couples in SF and the world know that marriage is for everyone, not just hetros!
Tarre
Kansas City
Here’s what I wrote back to Ben:
Thanks very much for your note. I don’t think I can take credit for that particular bouquet. Apparently this idea started at a workplace in Minneapolis, so you were one of the recipients from there. I just read about this idea, thought it was great, and tried to make it easier for people by enabling them to make small donations–I guess many couldn’t afford to send a bouquet by themselves. We made our first delivery this afternoon, and I guess everyone was really happy.
Thanks again for your note, and best of luck for your and Brian’s future together. Cheers. DB.
we’re spreading the word! i put a link up on my site. more are popping up around the net.
Two couples that are dear friends of mine were married today. They both received bouquets before their ceremonies. There’s a table full of flowers set up and couples can take their pick. One card was from a couple members of PFLAG in Atlanta, and my friend was crying when she read that. I’d encourage people to put their names on the flowers. It doesn’t matter that they don’t know you and that they’ll probably never find you to say thanks. It’s just great to know that “Bill in Cleveland” or “Nancy in Springfield” supports you.
